HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Senator Richard Blumenthal is preparing to visit Ukrainian catholic churches in Hartford and New Haven to listen to members of the community about the conflict with Moscow-backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Blumenthal will visit the St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford and St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven on Sunday morning. His initiative comes after the United States and the European Union stepped up economic sanctions against Russia for its meddling in Ukraine.

Aides say Blumenthal will listen to members of the Ukrainian community about the conflict and concerns for their family and friends. He will also address steps the U.S. should take to enforce sanctions against Russia as well as stepping up political and military pressure against that country.